Core 2 Duo E7400 vs E2-3200

Intel

Core 2 Duo E7400

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2008
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

E2-3200

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo E7400 vs E2-3200 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core 2 Duo E7400 vs E2-3200 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core 2 Duo E7400 vs E2-3200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core 2 Duo E7400

2008

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike E2-3200.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,043 vs 1,050).

E2-3200

2011

Why buy it

  • +0.7% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E7400.

Quick Answers

So, is E2-3200 better than Core 2 Duo E7400?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core 2 Duo E7400 is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, E2-3200 pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, E2-3200 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
E2-3200 still makes the most sense overall. E2-3200 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
E2-3200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo E7400 vs E2-3200 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core 2 Duo E7400

The Core 2 Duo E7400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 3 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,043 points. Launch price was $249.

AMD

E2-3200

The E2-3200 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,050 points. Launch price was $50.

Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E7400 and E2-3200 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7400 versus 2.4 GHz on the E2-3200 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E7400 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E7400 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the E2-3200 uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7400 scores 1,043 against the E2-3200's 1,050 — a 0.7% lead for the E2-3200. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E7400E2-3200
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz+17%
2.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz+17%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
3 MB (total)+500%
512 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
32 nm-29%
Architecture
Wolfdale (2008−2010)
Llano (2011−2012)
PassMark
1,043
1,050
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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E7400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the E2-3200 uses FM1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E7400E2-3200
Socket
LGA775
FM1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
1066
Max RAM Capacity
16
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core 2 Duo E7400) / not specified (E2-3200). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7400 rivals Athlon II X2 245.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E7400E2-3200
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true